GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES SOLAR INNOVATION GRANT FUNDING

Gov. Ritter today announced that the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is seeking grant applicants for $350,000 in incentives for solar innovation projects. The "Solar Innovation Grant" funds are being made available through the Clean Energy Fund.

"These innovation grants will help us continue to grow our solar industry by increasing development and infrastructure. They will allow us to continue advancing Colorado's New Energy Economy and bring good jobs, revenue and clean power to our state," Gov. Ritter said.

Under GEO's stewardship, the Solar Innovation Grant will be used to support programs that can overcome financial, educational and technical barriers and lead to greater solar electric and solar thermal technologies in the residential and commercial sectors.

GEO is looking to fund projects from partners such as utilities, homebuilders, installers and system integrators, lenders and financial institutions, non-profits and trade associations. For the competitive application process, GEO will consider funding requests for the following purposes:

Education: Applicants will provide educational resources to targeted sectors with the goal of expanding the quantity and quality of solar installations in Colorado.

Integrated Design: Applicants will address opportunities to incorporate solar technology into the commercial and production home sectors in both new and existing infrastructure.

Utility Programs: Applicants in this category will work to improve the viability of solar technology as a means to offset energy and power demands at the utility level. GEO is soliciting innovative solutions to promote solar technology at the utility level.

Market Analysis & Policy Recommendations: Applicants will identify policy barriers to the wider implementation of solar technology in Colorado and present solutions in the form of a comprehensive policy report.

Financing: Applicants will present innovative financing models that will increase the affordability of integrating solar technology in the residential and commercial sectors.

Individual awards will not exceed $50,000 and applications are due by April 30. To download an application, click here. To learn more, visit GEO's website: www.colorado.gov/energy.